Derek Karl Augustin (20) passed peacefully in his sleep on November 3, 2024 after a 13-year battle with cancer. Derek was born on August 3, 2004 to parents Kurt and Lisa Augustin and older sister Anna. Even as an infant, Derek exhibited a fiercely independent and stubborn personality. This would come in handy when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, just after his seventh birthday.
Despite spending most of his life battling his illness, relapsing many times over the years, Derek remained headstrong and positive. He was an eternal practical joker with a slightly dark sense of humor and his loud laugh could be heard all throughout the hospital hallways. Derek formed bonds with many doctors and nurses and with video gaming friends from across the country and world. In addition to playing video games, Derek enjoyed building Legos and watching Marvel movies. Derek was tough, but he was kind.
While his treatments required a hybrid schooling environment, Derek proudly graduated from Laramie High School with his graduating class in May of 2023. Even in his final year of life, he never stopped fighting.He found joy in gaming and dog sitting and took the trip of a lifetime to the country of Belize.
Derek is survived by his parents Kurt and Lisa Augustin; sister Anna Augustin; grandparents Gaylord and Janet Wells, Shirley Augustin, and Walter and Donna Augustin; many extended family members; and friends and healthcare providers that felt like family.
A celebration of Derek’s life will be held on Friday, November 15th at 11am at the Alice Hardie Stevens Center in Laramie. Please wear Derek’s favorite colors, purple and red, or any bright colors of your choice. The Augustin family requests no flowers. Instead, please consider a donation to those organizations that supported Derek through his cancer journey: Jason’s Friends Foundation or Brent’s Place.
Dear Kurt and family, sending you heartfelt sympathies and prayers for strength and peace. The one time I met Derek was a true pleasure--one of the best conversations I've had in years. He was special. I am so very sorry for your loss.
I wish to share my condolences to the Augustin family. I knew many of them in the past, particularly Kurt, Derek’s father, and Walt and Donna, Dereks’s grandfather. Love and peace from me, Rod Skaggs
Out sincere condolences to Derek’s family. He crossed paths with two of my boys, met them at separate times and both loved spending time with him. He will be missed, and we hope you find peace in knowing he touched many lives. Love, the Contreras Family
My condolences to the whole family. May your memories bring you peace!
Thinking and praying for all of the family and those that were touched by Derek's life. My time with Derek at camp Wapiyapi for 2 seasons was such a joy and very enriching. I recall one of the years in which Derek made an extra special effort to make friends with a young boy at camp that was having a difficult time with extreme homesickness and health challenges. When the young boy arrived and was dropped off he was inconsolable with his parents leaving and there seemed to be nothing any of us adults could do. One adult was even given a black eye on accident during the boys crying. Derek approached the boy with completely gentleness and confidence, and proceeded to convince him that everything would be alright and they would have a wonderful time a camp. The boy calmed down. They went on to be great friends during the camp and the boy had such a wonderful time with Derek during the week. It was amazing to see.
Derek, You left a lasting impression on everyone you met. Myself included. I feel lucky to have known you and have been a part of your life. Over the last two years I saw such growth in you. Though I know you’d never admit it. Lisa it was a pleasure getting to know you. You were the perfect other half to Derek. My heart breaks for you loss. I’m sending all my love to you and your family. My love, Lindy
So sorry for your loss. Derek was incredible in many ways. I was fortunate to be his homebound teacher. I learned so much from Derek. I am proud of all of his accomplishments. He was a joy and I will always cherish my memories of our times together. May you find strength in your memories of his life. Sending love to all his family, Cindy Moore
Dear Lisa and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. While I did not know Derek personally, a 13 year fight with cancer is definitely not for the faint of heart. His determination is a testament to all of the love and support of everyone around him. You all are to be commended. May you somehow find comfort and strength in the memories, the prayers, and the support and love of friends and family. With my deepest condolences, Jane Grzybowski
Beautiful family supporting and surrounding this amazing young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hospice of Laramie
Kurt, Lisa, Anna, and all family members: I am so sorry for your loss. Throughout the years, I heard many 'wild and exciting' stories about Derek's practical jokes and his sense of humor from Janet. He definitely fought a long, long battle with many accomplishments, such as, graduating with his High School Class and getting his drivers' license. Sending prayers for your strength during this difficult time. Linda Miller
Derek, you were a young man of incredible resilience. You had a great sense of humor about life and the cards it dealt you and always offered a smile. Yours was a life cut much too short. May your family and friends cherish the fond memories. Rest in peace and free of pain.
Derek, Thank you for the time you shared with me. I will always have good memories of your unforgettable laugh and sense of humor. A young man of many talents. I was blessed to know and learn from you.